Summer Sun Safety
It seems like a simple idea, just put on some suncreen and that's it! Unfortunately, sunscreen has many toxic ingredients that can do more harm than good. Here are some holistic ideas to help you get the vitamin D you need while also nourishing your skin.
Keep aloe or an aloe plant on-hand. Aloe naturally repairs skin cells, hydrates and reduces skin inflammation.
Keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay hydrated preventing extra dryness and cracking.
Consuming healthy lipids are good for overall skin health. Lipids are stored in the bilayers of the epidermis and help to insulate your body. Because these fats are so crucial to the skin, it is referred to as the lipid barrier. When this barrier becomes dehydrated, dry, flakey, or itchy, it is due to outside damage, such as sunburn. Consuming enough healthy fats enables this lipid barrier to maintain its strength.
Believe it or not, processed foods play a crucial role in skin health. Avoiding processed foods decreases inflammation in the body and helps your skin and the rest of your body maintain optimal health.
Enjoy your summer with these helpful tips and a homemade holistic sunscreen using the recipe below: (From Wellness Mama)
Holistic Sunscreen Recipe
Ingredients
½ cup almond or olive oil (can infuse with herbs first if desired)
¼ cup coconut oil
¼ cup beeswax
2 TBSP zinc oxide
2 TBSP shea butter (optional)
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients except zinc oxide in a pint-sized or larger glass jar.
Fill a medium saucepan with a couple inches of water and place on the stove over medium heat.
Put a lid loosely on the jar and place it in the pan with the water.
Shake or stir the jar occasionally to mix the ingredients as the melt.
When all the ingredients are completely melted, stir in the zinc oxide, and pour into whatever jar or tin you will use for storage.
Stir a few times as it cools to make sure zinc oxide is incorporated.
Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator to increase shelf life.